After a couple months of uncertainty and then several weeks of planning, the graduating seniors at Clarion-Goldfield-Dows finally got their moment in the sun last Saturday. In a commencement ceremony that looked nothing like those held in the past, the class of 2020 received their diplomas.
Commencement was held on Saturday, June 27 on the C-G-D football field. By the 6 p.m. start time, the temperatures were still in the mid-80s with ample humidity, but everyone was still happy to be there. 57 graduates were noted in the program though not all were present at the ceremony.
As commencement began, the seniors processed on to the east side of the track to the music of the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance,” and then into chairs in front of the stage on the east side of the field. The chairs were set up with several feet between each. Families and spectators were clustered behind the grads’ chairs in assigned “pods” to allow for social distancing.
The program was brief, featuring a few speakers. The graduating class led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by senior Quinn Hansch giving an invocation. Superintendent Dr. Robert Olson introduced the two class speakers, valedictorian Courtney Harle and salutatorian Blaire Rasmussen. (Cole Lindaman was also a class valedictorian.)
Both speakers commented on their class’s perseverance during the last few months. Harle said, “We have survived so many things, COVID is just another one.” Rasmussen emphasized, “Our class grew up in the midst of a national tragedy. We’ve been raised to be resilient and rise up. We can do anything because we have, and will again.”
Olson went on to acknowledge the class’s top ten academic students and other special awards such as Silver Cord honorees. High School Principal Paul Hansch then presented the diplomas. The students walked the stage one at a time and received their diploma from C-G-D Board of Education President Beth Severson. They were presented with their class flower, a red gerbera daisy.
To wrap up the ceremony, senior Clinton Miller gave the benediction. The class walked off the field to their class song, “A Million Dreams.” The class motto was “When life shuts a door, open it back up. That’s how doors work,” from Diana Lopez.
Olson thought the ceremony ran very smoothly. “It only lasted 45 minutes,” he said, “But the preparation and hard work of all the staff was incredible. It is great to receive so many compliments from parents who appreciated the opportunity to see their son or daughter walk across the stage.”
Hansch agreed, “I couldn't have been more pleased. From start to finish, I thought it went very well. I'd like to thank the parents and other onlookers for their patience the last month and a half, and for following the guidelines we set. And many thanks to all the staff who helped out. People will never know the number of hours Kevin Katz, Jon Bakker, Jeff Friesleben, and all of the grounds people put into making it happen. Speaking from the perspective of both a parent and staff member, it made me very proud to be a part of the CGD school district and our community.”
